The alarmingly increasing COVID-19 cases in India have resulted in one more tough international decision regarding the country. Considering this, Australia has put forward strict restriction rules for Australian residents and citizens in India.

Restrictions to return to Australia

According to this plan, Australian residents are banned from entering Australia. Those citizens who disobey this rule and return to Australia can face severe consequences- up to 5 years in prison, a fine worth AUD 66,000 or both.  

Health Minister Greg Hunt stated, “The government does not make these decisions lightly. However, the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems must be protected, and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level.”

These martinet rules are made to maintain security and safety against COVID-19 in Australia. 

According to the Australian Government, they will revisit the situation and reconsider the travel restrictions from India on May 15. 

This is also the first time Australia has banned its citizens from returning to the country. 

Human Right Group voices against the matter

Nevertheless, the human rights team of Australia is not overboard with the plan. They mentioned that Australia should focus on bolstering the quarantine system rather than punishing its citizens. 

The Human Rights Watch’s Australia director Elaine Pearson said, “This is an outrageous response. Australians have a right to return to their own country. The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments.”

This is not the first time an international country has banned India due to the sudden surge in India’s COVID-19 cases and death tolls. 

Recently, Canada suspended Indian and Pakistani flights for a month. 

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